1. Integrating computer science and informatics education in primary schools : insights from a Slovenian professional development initiativeAndrej Flogie, Alenka Lipovec, Jakob Škrobar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: In this study, we present a professional development programme for teachers launched to introduce Computer Science and Informatics (CSI) in primary education in Slovenia. The study aims to examine which CSI core concepts teachers most frequently choose to integrate into their lessons when given the freedom to select the topics within the framework, and to explore how students engage with and respond to these activities, as reported in teachers’ reflections. This study is based on reflective feedback from forty-seven teachers from seven primary schools who implemented interdisciplinary lessons that integrate CSI content into existing primary school curricula. Qualitative data from 152 reflections were used to support our research findings. The results show that teachers most frequently introduced the concepts from the content area of algorithms and programming. In contrast, content areas such as computing systems, networks and the internet, data and analysis, and impacts of computing received less attention. Teachers reported that students were motivated and engaged, although some challenges emerged, including difficulties in solving tasks or following instructions. As this pilot study reports on the first year of a two-year initiative, the findings provide preliminary insights into how a structured professional development programme for teachers can support interdisciplinary approaches in CSI education. Keywords: computer science education, computational thinking, STEM, professional development, engagement, motivation, primary schools Published in DKUM: 20.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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2. Challenges in algorithmic implementation : the FLoCIC algorithm as a case study in tehnology-enhanced computer science educationDavid Jesenko, Borut Žalik, Štefan Kohek, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Learning and implementing algorithms is a fundamental but challenging aspect of Computer Science education. One of the key tools used in teaching algorithms is pseudocode, which serves as an abstract representation of the logic behind a given algorithm. This study explores the educational value of the FLoCIC (Few Lines of Code for Image Compression) algorithm, which is designed to teach lossless image compression through algorithmic implementation, particularly within the context of multimedia data. Image compression represents a typical multimedia task that combines algorithmic thinking with practical problem-solving. By analysing questionnaire responses (N = 121) from undergraduate and graduate students, this study identifies critical challenges in pseudocode-based learning, including understanding complex algorithmic components and debugging recursive functions. This paper highlights the influence of prior knowledge in areas such as data structures, compression, and algorithms in general on the success of students in completing the task, with graduate students demonstrating stronger results compared to undergraduates. The study analyses the role of external resources and online code repositories, further revealing their utility in supporting implementation efforts but highlighting the need for a fundamental understanding of the algorithm for successful implementation. The findings highlight the importance of promoting conceptual understanding and practical problem-solving skills to improve student learning in algorithmic tasks. Keywords: FLoCIC, computer science, algorithms, pseudocode, coding, generative AI, multimedia, education Published in DKUM: 02.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 12
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3. University teachers’ attitudes towards ESP and EMI in Croatian higher education : implications for internationalisation and curriculum developmentAna Penjak, Simon Zupan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Following the Bologna Process (2001) and Croatia’s accession to the European Union (2013), English has assumed a more prominent role in Croatian higher education (HE). While Croatian remains the dominant language of instruction, universities are increasingly expected to internationalise their programmes through English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English-Medium Instruction (EMI) courses. This study analyses the attitudes of content-area (non-language) university teachers at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia, towards the use of English in their teaching, focusing particularly on ESP and EMI. The aim is to examine how these attitudes contribute to the internationalisation of HE and support students’ academic and professional development through discipline-specific English instruction. The results obtained from the data collected using an online questionnaire indicate strong support for ESP course integration, with most teachers recognising its value in enhancing students’ employability and domain-specific language proficiency. While EMI was not addressed directly, several items suggest teachers are aware of EMI-related demands and express positive attitudes towards its benefits. Notably, teachers with Erasmus experience showed greater confidence in English and more openness to EMI. These findings highlight the need to expand ESP offerings, strengthen EMI-related training, and develop institutional language policies aligned with internationalisation goals. Keywords: English for specific purposes, Croatia, higher education, university teachers, sports science Published in DKUM: 02.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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4. The role of teacher education in the science literacy developmentEva Klemenčič, Mateja Ploj Virtič, Janja Majer Kovačič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: One of the aims of education is to produce wise and responsible citizens who are aware of their impact on the environment and can address and solve daily life problems. From this point of view, science education leading to science literacy is helpful for all students, regardless of their future careers. In this paper, we first review the definitions of science literacy in the literature and present the strategies for its development. In Slovenia, we refer to the ongoing national project NA-MA POTI. Most of the strategies studied focus on primary and secondary schools. However, for the development of science literacy in primary and secondary education, teachers themselves must achieve a sufficient level of science literacy. The research was conducted with a small group of prospective teachers, focusing on three components of science literacy: asking research questions, making hypotheses, and designing an experiment. In addition, we analysed the curricula of the science didactics courses in the teacher education program. The findings show a great need for a systematic change in the curricula. Finally, proposals and ideas for improving the curricula for the didactics of science and the syllabus of the Subject teacher study program are presented. Keywords: science literacy, teacher education, didactics of science, didactics of technics & technology, curricula Published in DKUM: 02.12.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 22
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5. The role of computerized laboratory exercises in development of key competencesAndrej Šorgo, Vida Lang, 2023, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Over the past 20 years, the first author and numerous collaborators have attempted to introduce computer-based laboratory exercises in science, particularly in biology classes. While working with secondary and post-secondary students, it was realised that it was possible to simultaneously develop cross-cutting competencies that bridged several key competences of the European framework of eight key competences for lifelong learning. These were (a) Collecting, analysing, and organising information; (b) Communication of ideas; (c) Planning and organising activities; (d) Working with others in teams; (e) The use of mathematical ideas and techniques; (f) Problem solving; and (g) The use of technology. When inquiry and problem-solving strategies are used, student achievement is much higher compared to explanatory and expository labs. Keywords: biology education, computer based laboratory, key competences, laboratory work, science education Published in DKUM: 25.09.2024; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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6. International Exhibition by Artists – University Teachers, Maribor, Slovenia, October 4th-14th, 20242024 Abstract: In the framework of the INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND ART CONFERENCE: Rethinking childhood III - Teaching for an inclusive, technologically competent and sustainable society (2024) a catalog of the exhibition was published. The catalog features reproductions of artworks by artists employed at various higher education institutions in Slovenia and abroad. The accompanying text titled ART AND SCIENCE: PARALLEL LINES, PROPAGATION, INTERWEAVING (For the exhibition "Play of Perspectives, Strategies, and Decisions") was prepared by Mojca Puncer, PhD. Keywords: art and science, visual art, exhibition catalog, artworks, higher education teachers and collaborators Published in DKUM: 13.09.2024; Views: 27; Downloads: 19
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7. Digital tools in behavior change support education in health and other students : a systematic reviewLucija Gosak, Gregor Štiglic, Leona Cilar Budler, Isa B. Félix, Katja Braam, Nino Fijačko, Mara Pereira Guerreiro, Mateja Lorber, 2022, review article Abstract: Due to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, behavior changes are integral to self-management. Healthcare and other professionals are expected to support these behavior changes, and therefore, undergraduate students should receive up-to-date and evidence-based training in this respect. Our work aims to review the outcomes of digital tools in behavior change support education. A secondary aim was to examine existing instruments to assess the effectiveness of these tools. A PIO (population/problem, intervention, outcome) research question led our literature search. The population was limited to students in nursing, sports sciences, and pharmacy; the interventions were limited to digital teaching tools; and the outcomes consisted of knowledge, motivation, and competencies. A systematic literature review was performed in the PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, SAGE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases and by backward citation searching. We used PRISMA guidelines 2020 to depict the search process for relevant literature. Two authors evaluated included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) independently. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 15 studies in the final analysis: six quantitative descriptive studies, two randomized studies, six mixed methods studies, and one qualitative study. According to the MMAT, all studies were suitable for further analysis in terms of quality. The studies resorted to various digital tools to improve students’ knowledge of behavior change techniques in individuals with chronic disease, leading to greater self-confidence, better cooperation, and practical experience and skills. The most common limitations that have been perceived for using these tools are time and space constraints. Keywords: digital tools, didactics, noncommunicable diseases, chronic diseases, behavior change support education, health science Published in DKUM: 28.09.2023; Views: 361; Downloads: 92
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8. 36th Bled eConference – Digital Economy and Society: The Balancing Act for Digital Innovation in Times of Instability : June 25 – 28, 2023, Bled, Slovenia, Conference Proceedings2023 Abstract: The Bled eConference, organised by the University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, has been shaping electronic interactions since 1988. The theme of the 36th conference is "Digital Economy and Society: The Balancing Act for Digital Innovation in Times of Instability". In times of instability, which include political, economic, resource, health, and environmental challenges on the one hand, and technological disruption on the other, it is critical to ensure that digital innovation continues to lead to the right and sustainable solutions that are tailored to the needs of all people, enterprises and society. It is very important to keep in mind the protection of our planet, including fauna and flora. These efforts include adopting appropriate regulatory frameworks, fostering digital literacy and skills development, promoting inclusive access to digital technologies, and addressing the ethical, social and environmental implications of digital transformation. The papers in this conference proceedings address digital transformation of enterprises, artificial intelligence and data science solutions, decision analytics for business and societal challenges, new, digital and data driven business models, digital consumer, digital education, digital health, digital ethics, restructured work and solutions for smart and sustainable cities. We continue to provide an open forum for academia, including students, industry, and policy makers where everyone can contribute to creating a better world. Keywords: digital transformation, digital business, digital technologijes, innovations, digitalization, sustainable development, smart and sustainable cities and societies, digital health, artificial intelligence and data science, digital ethics, digital education, restructured work, digital consumer, smart and sustainable cities Published in DKUM: 26.06.2023; Views: 664; Downloads: 307
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9. 35th Bled eConference Digital Restructuring and Human (Re)action : June 26 – 29, 2022, Bled, Slovenia, Conference Proceedings2022, proceedings Abstract: The Bled eConference, organised by the University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, has been shaping electronic interaction since 1988. After 2 years COVID-19 pandemic, when the conference was held online, this year we met again in Bled, Slovenia. The theme of the 35th conference is "Digital Restructuring and Human (re)Action". During the pandemic, we experienced the important role of digital technologies in enabling people and enterprises to interact, collaborate, and find new opportunities and ways to overcome various challenges. The use of digital technologies in these times has accelerated the digital transformation of enterprises and societies. It will be important to leverage this momentum for further implementation and exploitation of digital technologies that will bring positive impacts and solutions for people, enterprises and societies. The need to achieve sustainability goals and sustainable development of society has increased. Digital technologies will continue to play an important role in achieving these goals. The papers in this conference proceedings address digital transformation of enterprises, digital wellness and health solutions, digital ethics challenges, artificial intelligence and data science solutions, new and digital business models, digital consumer behaviour and solutions, including the impact of social media, restructuring of work due to digital technologies, digital education challenges and examples, and solutions for smart sustainable cities. Keywords: Digital transformation, digital business, digital technologijes, innovations, digitalization, sustainable development, smart and sustainable cities and societies, digital health and wellness, artificial intelligence and data science, digital ethics, digital education, restructured work, digital consumer, social media Published in DKUM: 23.06.2022; Views: 1176; Downloads: 78
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10. Web graphic organizers as an advanced strategy for teaching science textbook reading comprehensionMarija Ropič Kop, Metka Kordigel Aberšek, 2012, original scientific article Abstract: This paper presents the results of the 5 months experiment in which the influence of using a web graphic organizer in the science literacy curriculum was observed. The interest of the study was focused on the quality and quantity of learning/understanding the explicatory text description from the science textbook. The experiment included students at the age of 8-9 years. Science and L1 class were integrated for this purpose: teachers were instructed to use web graphic organizer as a tool for visualizing the text structure on the level of concrete cognitive operations. The results show the effect of using the web graphic organizer on students' competence to find out what in the science textbook text is important, on the level of text comprehension and on the competence of comparing new information with the previous knowledge. Keywords: education, reading comprehension, science, textbooks, teacher training Published in DKUM: 19.12.2017; Views: 1400; Downloads: 262
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